18th Century Louis XV Architectural Carved and Gilded Wood Finials, Set of 2

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An exquisite pair of hand-carved and gilded wood finials dating to the louis xv period, circa 1740–1760. Masterfully sculpted from … Read more An exquisite pair of hand-carved and gilded wood finials dating to the louis xv period, circa 1740–1760. Masterfully sculpted from solid wood, these architectural elements feature sophisticated openwork, where scrolling foliage and fluid rocaille motifs weave together to create a light, harmonious rhythm of solids and voids. The upper section of each finial tapers into a delicate crown silhouette, characteristic of the french rococo and italian barocchetto decorative language. As rare antique smalls and refined collectibles, these precious vitrine objects retain their original gold leaf gilding, displaying a warm, authentic, time-worn patina that speaks to centuries of history. Provenance & history like the finest historic treasures, this pair comes with a fresh-to-the-market provenance, originating directly from a private family collection housed within a noble villa in the florentine hills. Kept as part of the estate’s historic furnishings and untouched for generations, these pieces are now offered on the art market for the very first time.

placement & presentation originally designed to crown grand period furnishings such as monumental bookcases, armoires, or overmantel mirrors, these finials stand today as remarkable standalone decorative sculptures. Their compact scale makes them ideal as sophisticated desk accessories, adding historical character to a refined workspace, or as intriguing display pieces inside a glass cabinet or display case (vitrine). Placed on a console, mantelpiece, or integrated into a library shelf, their openwork form catches the light from every angle, effortlessly bridging the gap between 18th-century craftsmanship and contemporary interior curation. Mounted on modern minimal bases—such as matte black metal or clear acrylic—they create a striking, dialogue between 18th-century craftsmanship and contemporary interior design.

technical specifications * period: 18th century (circa 1740–1760) * style: louis xv / rococo * medium: hand-carved wood, original gold leaf gilding * dimensions: height 23 cm (9 in) max width 14 cm (5.5 in) base diameter 7 cm (2.7 in) * condition: excellent structural condition with age-appropriate wear and light abrasion to the gold leaf surface, highlighting its authentic antique character. Currently mounted on thin, removable wooden protective bases. * origin: italy, private collection See less